Trying out new background stitches can be intimidating. To help with this transition we have curated a list of 9 background stitches that are perfect for beginners! 

Damask: Did you know that "Damask" is actually a type of fabric? For this reason, this stitch looks wonderful when used to stitch clothing but also when used to stitch a background. It works with any thread type making it an easy stitch to work. 

Woven Stitch: This stitch creates a lot of texture and depth when used. It is perfect for baskets, bags, tree tops, etc. It also creates a beautiful background for large areas. 

Bargello Line Pattern 1: An easy to compensate background stitch that moves quickly. You can make this a bold statement of your canvas by using two different thread colors and alternating rows. Or make it a more subdue background by stitching in own color. 

Corduroy Stitch: The corduroy stitch's quilted texture make it ideal for backgrounds, especially on canvases with words or sayings. It's also a good choice for large area

Diagonal Scotch: This is a wonderful background stitch that provides high coverage and moves very quickly. This stitch can be worked in two threads, alternating each row. 

Diagonal Mosaic: This versatile stitch fits into small areas and also works well as a background. It also looks great when stitching large areas of grass or fields. 

Diagonal Cashmere: A perfect background stitch for large areas. It provides high coverage and moves very quickly. It is also very easy to compensate making it the perfect beginner needlepoint stitch! 

Horizontal Parisian: This is a great stitch for small areas and is very easy to compensate. It is an excellent background stitch for small pieces. 

Pavilion Diamonds: This is a wonderful stitch when you want to work through a background quickly. Use this stitch to create a wallpaper like pattern by using two different color threads.